Uridinylylated

Uridinylylated refers to a molecule that has undergone uridinylylation. Uridinylylation is a post-translational modification where a uridylyl group, derived from UTP (uridine triphosphate), is covalently attached to a protein. This modification is a reversible process, meaning uridylyl groups can be added and removed. It is catalyzed by enzymes known as uridylyltransferases or adenylyltransferases that often employ a two-step mechanism involving an intermediate adenylylated enzyme. The removal of the uridylyl group is typically carried out by uridylyl-removing enzymes.

The uridylyl modification often serves as a regulatory mechanism, affecting the activity, stability, or localization of the target protein. It can act as a switch, turning a protein on or off, or altering its interaction with other molecules. This type of modification is found in various biological pathways and is particularly important in signal transduction cascades and metabolic regulation. For instance, it plays a role in the regulation of enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism and nitrogen assimilation. The presence and removal of uridylyl groups are precisely controlled to ensure proper cellular function.